One Good Turn
- 2 -
​
The Kid went back inside to check on Heyes, who was asleep once more, before making himself comfortable in the chair at his bedside. Tired, after his two disturbed nights, he soon fell asleep, despite his intentions not to in case Heyes needed anything. But Heyes didn’t wake again and the Kid slept solidly until the doctor’s banging on the door at eight thirty woke him with a start.
Getting up he went to unbolt the door for him.
“Morning, Thaddeus.” smiled the doctor, “Everything alright?”
The Kid nodded, yawning, “Yeah. Joshua slept right through, so I managed to get a good few hours myself.”
“That’s good.” nodded the doctor.
They both went into Heyes’ room where he had just begun to stir.
“Morning, Joshua.” the doctor smiled at him, “How are you feeling today?”
“Wonderful.” muttered Heyes, the sarcasm in his tone apparent even though his voice was barely audible.
The doctor chuckled, putting on his stethoscope and beginning to listen to Heyes’ chest.
“How’s he doin’ Doc?” the Kid asked, as he removed it.
“Alright.” said the doctor. He turned to look at Heyes, “You still have some smoke and phlegm there, but it’s getting less. Does your breathing feel easier?” he asked him.
“A bit… not much.” Heyes replied, “I feel like… I’m clamped in a vice.”
The doctor nodded, “That’s partly because of your broken ribs and collar bone which make it difficult for you to breathe deeply.” he told him, “Now, how about some breakfast?”
Heyes tried to shrug and groaned as pain shot through his arm and shoulder.
The doctor left the room and the Kid moved to sit on the chair by the bed.
“I know it probably doesn’t feel like it to you, but you are improving.” he told Heyes, who didn’t reply.
With a sigh, the Kid left the room and, after freshening up, went over to the restaurant to get some breakfast and then brought a portion of scrambled eggs back with him for Heyes, which he spoon fed to him.
Heyes sullenly accepted the food, hating having to be fed like a child.
Afterwards, the Kid went into town to get them some new clothes, razors and shaving brushes, to replace what they’d lost in the fire. He picked up a copy of the day’s newspaper on his way back to the doctor’s, arriving back just after eleven o’clock. Heyes was dozing as he entered, but woke as he heard him come in.
“I’ve just been to get us some new clothes and shaving gear.” the Kid told him, “Your shirt was ruined and the bottom of my pants was singed, and the rest of our other stuff went up with the hotel.”
Heyes raised his eyebrows in acknowledgement. “What… time is it?” he asked hoarsely.
The Kid gave him a wry look as he pulled out his watch.
“It’s just after eleven.” he told him, sitting down by the bed, “Do you need anything? A drink? Something to eat?
Heyes shook his head, closing his eyes. When he opened them again he said, “I can’t lie here any longer… I’m so stiff... I need to get up.”
“I don’t know if you’re fit enough yet…” the Kid began.
“I’ve got to.” croaked Heyes, “My neck hurts… my shoulders and ribs... my legs ache…”
“I’ll speak to the Doc.” said the Kid, getting up and leaving the room.
He returned, a few minutes later, with the doctor, who sat down on the chair beside the bed.
“What’s this about you wanting to get up?” he asked.
“I have to.” croaked Heyes, “It’s driving me crazy… lying here… I feel… trapped… claustrophobic… and I’m so stiff… Please,” he pleaded, “just for a little while.”
The doctor sighed, “Well, it’ll be uncomfortable, but we’ll give it a try.”
He got up and repositioned the armchair easier to maneuver him into and then summoned the Kid to help him.
The doctor removed the blankets and then eased Heyes’ legs to the edge of the bed while the Kid moved to the head of the bed and, on the doctor’s instructions, bent to offer his arm to Heyes to hold onto with his good hand and then put his other arm under him, across his chest, supporting his weight as the doctor swung his legs over the edge of the bed and Heyes maneuvered himself into a sitting position.
“O.K?” the doctor asked, as Heyes sat on the edge of the bed, breathing heavily, his face beaded in perspiration from the pain and effort of moving, still holding onto the Kid’s forearm for support.
“I feel… dizzy…” muttered Heyes, as the room began to swim around him.
“That’s because you’ve been laying flat for a couple of days…” the doctor began, but got no further as Heyes’ slumped forward in a faint. Luckily, the Kid had still been supporting him otherwise he would have fallen to the floor, but he kept hold of him and the doctor gently bent him over to put his head between his knees.
After a few moments, Heyes began to stir.
“What happened?” he asked, groggily, as the doctor raised him back up into a sitting position and the Kid supported his weight.
“You passed out.” the doctor told him, “Don’t worry. It’s quite normal. You had a sudden rush of blood to the head after lying flat for so long. Here,” he held out a glass of water to him, “drink this.”
Heyes tried to take the glass but as he let go of the Kid’s arm he began to sway dizzily and grabbed his arm once more.
“Here, take a sip.” The doctor held the glass to his lips while the Kid held him up.
Heyes took a couple of sips, “Thanks.” he muttered.
The colour was beginning to return to his face now, so the doctor said, “Right. Let’s move you into the chair. You hold Thaddeus’ arm and I’ll support your other shoulder while you stand up.”
Heyes still held onto the Kid’s forearm while the doctor moved to put his arm under Heyes’ other shoulder.
As he tried to stand however, a sudden pain shot through his right ankle and he sat back down again with a gasp.
“My ankle…” he gasped.
“Sit still while I have a look.” said the doctor, moving to examine it. It was swollen, and as the doctor gently moved it, Heyes gasped, “Ow!”
“It’s not broken.” the doctor told him, “Just a bad sprain. Let’s get you in the chair and then I’ll strap it up for you.”
Heyes gave a weary sigh. As if he hadn’t got enough problems already, without having an injured ankle too.
“Try and take your weight on your other leg and we’ll do the rest.” said the doctor.
“Put your arm around my shoulder.” the Kid told him.
Heyes did so, and the Kid took most of his weight as Heyes tried to push himself off the bed just using one leg and then they maneuvered him round and into the chair, being careful not to allow him to lean back onto the burns on his back.
Once he was seated, the doctor draped a pillow over the chair arm and Heyes twisted round to drape himself across it.
“How’s that?” the doctor asked. To him and the Kid he looked decidedly uncomfortable, and he was, but it was a relief to be able to get out of bed and be able to move, even if limitedly.
“O.K.” gasped Heyes, beginning to cough from the exertion of moving.
The doctor picked up the glass of water and offered it to Heyes who now took it and began to sip it, while the doctor set about strapping up his ankle. He then wrapped a blanket around his legs and left, with instructions for the Kid to fetch him if he was needed.
The Kid sat down on another chair and studied him. He looked a wreck. A dark shadow of stubble covered his jaw, there were dark circles of pain and fatigue under his eyes and his face looked pinched. He looked extremely uncomfortable in the awkward position he was forced to sit in, unable to lean back in the chair or bend his injured right arm.
“Are you sure you’re O.K. there?” he asked, “I don’t see how you can be comfortable like that.”
“Believe me, it’s better than being face down on that bed.” croaked Heyes.
They made idle conversation, but the Kid could see that Heyes was struggling to pay attention. It was obvious he was in a great deal of pain, although trying hard not to show it, and, although he was a lot more lucid than the previous day, he still seemed disorientated from the effects of the concussion and his face was as white as a sheet.
An hour later, the doctor entered, accompanied by the girl Heyes had rescued from the fire. She was dressed reasonably demurely for a saloon girl, in a sky blue dress with a dark blue woollen shawl wrapped around her shoulders, her hair, missing its feathered headband, was tied back with a blue ribbon. Her injured arm was supported by a sling.
She looked nervous as she followed the doctor across the room, stopping in front of Heyes’ chair.
“Joshua, this is Kate, the girl you rescued from the hotel. Kate, this is Joshua Smith.”
Kate stepped nervously forward.
“Mr. Smith?” she spoke quietly, “I had to come and see you… to thank you… for what you did, although ‘thank you’ isn’t enough. You were so brave. I’d have died if it wasn’t for you. You’re a hero.” She bent forward and gently kissed his cheek, and Heyes actually blushed.
“Thank you.” Kate said again, straightening up.
“I… er… it was…” Heyes stammered, for once, lost for a reply, “…it’s nice of you to come by.” he managed finally.
“I’m so sorry you got hurt because of me.” Kate continued, “I came to see you before, but the doctor said you were too sick to see anyone. I’m so glad you’re feeling better.”
“A little…” said Heyes, breaking into a fit of coughing.
Kate looked worriedly from Heyes to the doctor and back again.
“I’m alright.” croaked Heyes, as the coughing fit subsided, “It’s just the smoke.” he offered in explanation.
Kate bit her lip anxiously. She felt so guilty that he had been hurt so badly, saving her, when she’d been practically uninjured.
“Is there anything I can do for you?” she asked now, “Anything I can get you?”
“That’s very kind… but… I’m O.K.” Heyes managed a weak smile.”
“Right, well, I’d better go and let you rest.” said Kate, “I hope I’ll see you again when you’re well, and… thank you again for saving me. I’ll never forget it, or you.”
“I’m glad… I was able to.” croaked Heyes. The doctor escorted Kate from the room and Heyes turned to look at the Kid who raised a quizzical eyebrow, his eyes twinkling with laughter.
Heyes caught the look in his eyes, and a twinkle came briefly to his own eyes.
“She was grateful.” he said finally.
“I’d never have guessed.” quipped the Kid, beginning to chuckle.
“I’ll go and get us some lunch.” he said, as the doctor re-entered the room, “Sandwiches O.K. for you, Doc? Or do you want something else?”
No, sandwiches will be fine.” the doctor replied.
The Kid left and returned, ten minutes later, with some freshly made sandwiches from the restaurant across the street. They divided the sandwiches into three and the Kid loaded his and Heyes’ onto a tray along with two mugs of coffee and carried it into Heyes’ room, the doctor having opted to eat his at his desk as he had some paperwork to do and some medical journals he wanted to read.
The Kid set the tray down on a cupboard by the bed, eyeing Heyes, who was hunched over, his head resting on his arm.
“Heyes.” he called, picking up the plate of sandwiches and turning to place them on a small table the doctor had earlier placed there for Heyes to stand a drink on, “I fetched us some sandwiches from across the street.” he told him.
Heyes sat up a little straighter and eyed the sandwiches sullenly, “I’m not hungry.” he said hoarsely.
“I know. But you need to eat to build your strength up. Come on.” the Kid encouraged.
Heyes sighed and reached out to pick up one of the sandwiches, taking a small bite and chewing it slowly, while the Kid picked up his own sandwiches and sat down on the chair opposite to Heyes and hungrily bit into them.
“How do you feel now?” he asked, in between bites.
Heyes sighed, turning baleful eyes to the Kid’s.
“Rough.” he muttered.
The Kid stopped chewing and looked at him. Giving a deep sigh he said, “I’m sorry, Heyes. This is all my fault. If I hadn’t got so proddy about heading straight onto Cheyenne you wouldn’t be in this mess.”
It was several moments before Heyes muttered, “You couldn’t know what would happen.” refusing to meet his gaze.
The Kid eyed him anxiously. Heyes hadn’t said it outright, but the Kid could tell he blamed him. He bit into his next sandwich, but, suddenly, he’d lost his appetite. What would Heyes say when he knew what missing their meeting with the Governor had cost them? He shook his head, cursing himself.
Heyes pushed away the plate of sandwiches only having had one.
“Here.” the Kid handed him a mug of coffee.”
“Thanks.”
The Kid picked up the newspaper he’d bought earlier, and began to look through it, reading bits out to Heyes in an attempt to lighten the atmosphere. Heyes made passing comments, but was far from his usual chatty self.
Later in the afternoon, Lom arrived, looking surprised to see Heyes out of bed.
“Well, I didn’t expect to see you up yet.” he smiled, “You must be feeling better.”
Heyes shrugged, and instantly wished he hadn’t as pain coursed through his back, ribs and arm.
“A little.” he muttered, hoarsely.
“He had a visitor earlier.” the Kid said with a smile.
“Oh?”
The Kid nodded, “Kate.” At Lom’s blank look he added, “The girl he rescued?”
“Oh, right.” nodded Lom.
“She was very grateful.” the Kid grinned, emphasising the word ‘very’, “She wanted to know what she could do for him, to repay him, and she’s looking forward to seeing him when he’s recovered.” The Kid laughed, winking knowingly at Lom who also laughed, nodding conspiratorially.
“I’m sure she is.” he quipped.
“Oh, shut up!” snapped Heyes.
Lom and the Kid looked at Heyes and then exchanged concerned glances, surprised at his harsh tone.
Heyes had tried hard, today, to get himself together, to make conversation, and be pleasant to people, getting himself out of his sick bed and pretending he was on the road to recovery when, really, he felt like death warmed up. But now he’d run out of steam. Worn down by the pain of his injuries, the effort of getting out of bed when he really wasn’t well enough, the constant battle against coughing fits and nausea, and the agony of having his burns cleaned and dressed, he just couldn’t handle the Kid and Lom’s humour right now. At the moment, life was anything but funny.
“I’m sorry.” said the Kid, noticing the look of fatigue that had come to Heyes’ face.
Heyes sighed., “No, I’m sorry. I guess… I’m just not very good company at the moment.” he muttered, beginning to cough once more.
The Kid poured him a glass of water and handed it to him.
“No, it’s us that’s bad company.” said Lom, “We ought to go and let you get some rest. You look wrecked.”
“I am a bit tired.” Heyes admitted.
“Want to go back to bed?” asked the Kid.
Heyes nodded, obviously angry with himself for giving in to his fatigue.
“I’ll get the Doc.” said the Kid. He left the room and returned a minute later with the doctor and they set about getting Heyes back into bed.
The Kid pulled Heyes’ arm around his shoulder and lifted him onto his feet, helping him to move across and sit on the bed, and then supported his weight as he lowered himself, face down, onto the bed while the doctor lifted his legs onto the mattress.
Once he was comfortable, the doctor covered him with the blankets and placed a pillow beneath his arm.
“Do you want one for your head?” he asked.
“No.” said Heyes, “It hurts my neck.”
“O.K.” The doctor folded up a towel and placed it beneath his head to give him a little support.
“Comfortable?” he enquired.
Heyes nodded.
“Thanks, Doc.” the Kid said, as the doctor left the room.
“Well, I guess I’ll get going too.” said Lom, “Are you coming?” He looked at the Kid.
“I’ll stay a while longer.” said the Kid, “I’ll be along later.” He had arranged with the doctor for him to sleep at the surgery tonight so that he could stay at Lom’s.
Lom nodded, “O.K.” He turned to Heyes, “I’ll come and see you tomorrow.”
“Thanks.” muttered Heyes.
With a wink to the Kid, Lom left.
“Are you gonna be alright if I stay at Lom’s tonight?” the Kid asked after he’d gone, “I’ll stay if you want me to.”
“I’ll be alright. The Doc’ll be here.” Heyes said, without looking at him.
“If you’re sure.”
Heyes nodded, grimacing as a wave of pain washed over him.
The Kid stayed for another hour, after which time Heyes pretended to fall asleep. While the Kid was there, he felt like he had to put on an act of bravery, and, tonight, he didn’t have the strength.
Believing him to be asleep, the Kid turned down the lamp and quietly left the room.
“I’ll see you tomorrow.” he told the doctor as he picked up his hat. As he opened the door he turned back to the doctor with an anxious expression, “He’ll be O.K, won’t he?”
“Of course he will.” smiled the doctor, “His condition is pretty much stabilised now.”
“Thanks for giving up your time to look after him, Doc.” said the Kid.
“It’s my job.” smiled the doctor, “Have a good night’s rest and I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Thanks. Goodnight, Doc.”
As Heyes heard the Kid leave the building, he gave a weary sigh, his body sagging even further into the mattress than it was already. If he was honest with himself, getting up had been too much for him, although it had eased the stiffness from two days of immobility. Was that all it was? Two days? It felt like a lifetime. But now he felt exhausted, and pretty ill. He’d wanted the Kid to leave so that he could be alone, but, now he was gone, he missed his company. He was too bored to stay awake, but not tired enough to sleep, uncomfortable lying still, but in too much pain to move.
“Oh, God.” he groaned, closing his eyes. He’d never been a quitter, but he was at such a low ebb, from the debilitating effects of his injuries, he just couldn’t seem to raise any willpower to fight his way back to health. It all seemed too much effort, and he just wanted to close his eyes and sleep for a hundred years.
He shifted position slightly, letting out a yelp of pain as the movement wrenched the raw skin on his back and sent a shaft of pain through his ribs and collar bone. He closed his eyes against the tears of pain and despair that welled up in him, but they wouldn’t be held back and forced their way through his lashes to slide down his cheeks.
Just then, the doctor entered the room having heard him cry out.
“Joshua?” he called, rounding the bed,“Are you alright?”
Heyes gave a vague nod, trying to hide his face so that the doctor wouldn’t see his distress, but the doctor could tell he was upset.
“What’s wrong?” he asked.
Heyes shook his head, too choked to reply. But the doctor had half expected a reaction of this kind, as a delayed reaction to what had happened, and didn’t need to question him any further.
“Joshua,” the doctor said soothingly, sitting on the chair next to the bed, “I know things seem bleak at the moment, but, trust me, things will improve.”
“I’ve had my fair share of sickness, Doc…” croaked Heyes, “been hurt a few times too… but, I‘ve never felt as bad as this… There isn’t a part of me that don’t hurt… inside or out… an’ I aint got the strength to fight it…”
“Yes, you have. I know it’s uncomfortable, but, in a few days, the pain will start to ease and you’ll be up and around.” the doctor replied, patting his forearm reassuringly, “Now, try and get some rest. I’ll be just outside if you need anything, O.K?”
In his fragile emotional condition, Heyes couldn’t handle the doctor’s soothing words and kind tone. They reminded him of how his Mother had spoken to him, as a child, after a fall, or when he was sick, and, for the first time since his teenage years, he longed for the warmth of her embrace and the soothing caress of her voice.
He pressed his face into the pillow, so the doctor wouldn’t see, as fresh tears welled up in him, his shoulders shaking with silent sobs.
Knowing there was nothing else he could say to comfort him, the doctor gently patted his arm, and, giving him a compassionate look, left the room.
When he returned to check on him, some time later, he’d fallen into an exhausted sleep.
​
The doctor checked his pulse and respiration, before pulling the covers more closely around him, his heart going out to him as he took in his puffy cheeks and tear streaked face. As a doctor, he knew how painful his injuries were and also the psychological effect that the trauma of the fire would have had on him.
Satisfied with his condition, the doctor turned down the lamp and left the room to prepare for bed, leaving the door ajar in case his patient should wake in the night and need anything. But Heyes slept right through the night without waking.
* * *
“I’m not sure I shouldn’t have stayed with him.” the Kid said to Lom, as they sat down to supper.
“There was no reason for you to stay.” replied Lom, “Heyes’ condition is stable now, and it’s time you got some rest yourself. Napping at the clinic’s no good for you. You need a good, undisturbed night’s sleep, and some decent food inside of you. You look like hell.”
“I’m O.K.” replied the Kid. It wasn’t lack of food, or sleep, that was bothering him. It was his guilty conscience.
“No. You’re not.” said Lom, “The fire’s taken more out of you than you think, and if you don’t take care of yourself, you’re gonna find yourself back in the clinic – as a patient! Now, eat your supper!”
“O.K. Point taken.” the Kid conceded. In truth, he was pretty tired, and his chest still felt heavy, and worrying abut Heyes, and spending nights by his bedside, wasn’t helping any.
After they’d eaten, Lom insisted the Kid go to bed. Despite the early hour, he reluctantly obeyed, believing he wouldn’t sleep, but was asleep within seconds of his head touching the pillow. He was still asleep twelve hours later, and would have slept on if Lom hadn’t woken him at breakfast time.
He looked much more refreshed, Lom noted, after his lengthy sleep, although his mood was somewhat subdued. Lom assumed it was because he was anxious about Heyes, but, while that was partly true, his main concern was how he was going to tell Heyes about missing out on the amnesty. He refused breakfast, drawing a surprised look from Lom, just accepting a mug of coffee.
Lom chatted, amiably, to him as he ate his own breakfast, but the Kid gave only the barest responses, his mind elsewhere.
After they’d eaten, Lom headed off for work, with a promise to come by the doctor’s surgery as soon as he had chance, leaving the Kid to his deliberations.
* * *
Heyes must have fallen into a deep sleep without even realising it, because the next thing he knew the room was lit up with the morning sun. He lay there, quiet and still, afraid to move for fear of setting off pain from somewhere in his body. A few moments later, the door opened and the Kid walked in.
“Hey, Heyes. How’re you feeling this morning?” he asked, giving him a gentle smile.
“I’m not sure yet.” Heyes replied, “I ‘m afraid to move because I know it’ll hurt somewhere.”
The Kid helped him to drink some water and it was almost as if just shifting that small amount caused Heyes to have another coughing fit. The Kid felt useless, standing there, watching his partner, his best friend, struggling for breath, tears streaming from his eyes, brought on by the coughing. The Kid picked up a clean towel and wiped Heyes’ face and replaced the one that Heyes had been lying on.
“Do you want to try and get up and eat some breakfast?” he asked when he’d stopped coughing.
Heyes nodded, still unable to speak as he tried to get his breathing under control.
The Kid went to fetch the doctor from the front room, and they both helped lift Heyes up out of bed. Heyes gritted his teeth as pain coursed through his body from his ribs, shoulder and ankle. They managed to get him to the chair where Heyes sat, with beads of perspiration on his forehead from the exertion.
“I’ll go and get some breakfast. You just take it easy and concentrate on getting your breath back.” the Kid told him, as he left the room.
“How are you feeling today, Joshua?” the doctor asked, “You certainly slept well last night”
“Rough.” Heyes sighed, wearily, “But, like you said, Doc, today’s another day, surely things can only get better?”
The doctor nodded, just as Lom entered the room.
“Hey, Joshua, you’re up.” grinned Lom, “How are you feeling?”
Heyes rolled his eyes, “Just great!” he said, with sarcasm.
Lom turned to the doctor, “How is he doin’, Doc?
“He slept a lot better, last night.” the doctor replied, “If there was somewhere he could go where someone was able to take care of him, I reckon he could leave my surgery in a day or so.”
Just then, the door opened and Kid entered, carrying two plates full of ham, eggs and beans.
“Oh, Hi, Lom.” he acknowledged the Sheriff.
“Thaddeus.” Lom acknowledged, “The Doc, here, was just explaining that if Joshua had some place he could stay, he could leave here in a day or so.”
“Yeah?” said the Kid, “Hey, that’s good news, huh, Joshua?”
Heyes gave a small nod, wondering where he could go that he could be taken care of at the same time.
“Well,” said Lom, “I don’t see any reason why he couldn’t come and stay at my place. Thaddeus and I could help take care of him. What do you think?” he looked at the Kid.
“Fine by me.” replied the Kid, “What do you reckon, Joshua?”
“I don’t know. You’re out at work all day and I‘m not exactly mobile.” Heyes told Lom.
“True, but Thaddeus will be there to take care of you.” said Lom.
Heyes looked at the Kid, “Think you can manage on your own? I mean, it’s taken both you and the Doc to look after me so far.”
“Yeah, but you’re getting better every day. In a couple of days it’ll be easier for you to get up and around.”
Heyes shifted his gaze back to Lom.
“Are you’re sure about this, Lom? I mean we haven’t got much money to pay you for putting the two of us up.” he told him.
“Joshua,” Lom reproached him, “how long have you known me? You know that’s not a problem.”
“We’ve got what’s left of the money you won at the poker table that night.” the Kid told him, although, paying for food, new clothes and shaving gear had knocked a hole in that, and once they’d settled the doctor’s bill there wouldn’t be a huge amount left, “And, as you start to feel better I could maybe look for some work, locally, to help chip in.”
“Thanks.” replied Heyes, “I don’t know what to say.”
“Well just say ‘yes’.” grinned Lom
A small smile appeared on Heyes’ face, “Alright. Yes.”
Right. Well, on that note, I’d best be leaving, I’ve got some paperwork to catch up on and I can see your breakfast is getting cold.” said Lom, nodding towards the plates of food.
“It sure is!” replied the Kid with a grin.
Lom smiled, pleased to see the Kid’s appetite apparently returned.
“I’ll see you later. Take it easy, Joshua.” he said, before he and the doctor left the room.
“That’s good news, huh, Heyes?” Kid said.
“Yeah, I guess so.” replied Heyes, “But, are you sure you know what you’re taking on, Kid? I mean it’s gonna be a while before I’m able to get around and, my burns will need dressing every day and…”
“Heyes,” interrupted the Kid, “I know what I’m taking on, and its no less than you’d do for me if the circumstances where the other way round. So, shut up and eat your breakfast before it gets any colder.”
Heyes took the plate and balanced it on his lap, determined to feed himself today.
“You sure you can manage?” the Kid enquired, almost reading Heyes’ mind.
“Yeah.” replied Heyes, an expression of concentration on his face as he tried to eat, left handed, without the plate falling to the floor, since he couldn’t steady it with his other hand.
They both sat in silence enjoying the breakfast. Even Heyes managed a decent amount this morning, feeling more buoyant at the thought of being able to leave the doctor’s surgery soon. As good as the doctor had been to him, he was sure he’d feel better more quickly if he could get out of here, to more familiar surroundings, where he could be himself and also get some fresh air into his lungs.
Once they’d finished eating, the Kid stood up
“O.K, no time like the present. I’m going to return these plates and then look round to see if there is any work on offer.” he said as he started to leave the room
“Thanks for all this, Kid. I do appreciate it, partner.” Heyes said, sheepishly, not accustomed to voicing such sentiments openly.
The Kid gave a nod of acknowledgement before turning quickly away as the guilt he felt welled up inside of him. What would Heyes think of him when he knew they had lost their chance of amnesty because of his pigheadedness? He knew he should tell him, but he couldn’t face saying anything to him, now, just as Heyes seemed to be starting to feel better. The Kid shook his head to himself as he crossed the street to return the plates to the small restaurant.
As Heyes made himself as comfortable as he could, in the chair, there was a gentle knock at the door.
“Come in.” called Heyes hoarsely
The door opened and Kate entered the room
“Hello again.” said Heyes, surprised at seeing her again so soon.
“Hello, Mr. Smith.” she said, shyly, “How are you feeling today?”
“A little better, thank you, and please, call me Joshua.” said Heyes, “I’ve just had some good news as a matter of fact.” he added.”
“Very well… Joshua it is.” Kate acknowledged, "What’s your good news?”
“The Doc said that, if I had somewhere to go and stay, I could leave here in the next couple of days. Well, you know my friend, Lom, the sheriff? He said I can go and stay at his place while I heal up.”
“That is good news.” Kate replied, with a smile, pleased to see the slightly brighter look on his face.
“Yeah.” Heyes replied, on a sigh, and Kate noticed a darkness taking over his face as he spoke.
“Is something wrong?” she asked.
Heyes sighed, “It’s… well… it’s just, I really hate putting on people. Thaddeus says he’ll take care of me, but I don’t know if he really knows what he’s taking on. And then there’s Lom, having to put us both up when neither of us can help, much, to pay for our keep. I ain’t never taken charity and I don’t want to start now.”
“Oh, Joshua, I’m sure it’s not like that.” she said soothingly, “These people are your friends and they want to help. There are plenty of people out there who would love to have friends like that.”
“I know, I know. I should be a bit more grateful, I suppose.” replied Heyes, beginning to cough again.
“Are you alright?” Kate asked, anxiously.
Heyes nodded, as the coughing fit subsided, clearing his throat and wiping his sleeve across his eyes which had begun to run from the force of the spasm.
“Would you like it if I keep you company for a while?” Kate asked.
“Yeah, sure.” croaked Heyes, glad of anything to help pass the long hours of sitting around.
Kate crossed the room to pick up a chair and carried it over to where Heyes was sitting.
“Is there anything I can get you?” she asked.
“A glass of water would be good, if you don’t mind.” replied Heyes, huskily, giving her a small smile that gave a hint of the dimples in his cheeks.
Kate walked over to the little table, next to the bed, and poured a glass of water from a jug standing on it. She returned and handed the glass to Heyes. As he reached out to take it from her he winced, in pain, as the movement pulled the burnt skin on his back.
An anxious look appeared on Kate’s face as she asked, “Joshua, are you alright?”
Heyes nodded, sucking in a painful breath.
“I’m alright.” he replied presently, “It’s just the burns on my back pulling.”
“I’m so sorry.” replied Kate, tears pricking her eyes, “It’s all my fault.”
“Don’t be silly, I couldn’t just have left the saloon, leaving you there to burn to death, now, could I? And it’s not as if you started the fire, now, is it?” Heyes said gently.
“I realise that, but, I still feel bad. Is there anything I can do? Do you have any salve, or something, for the burns? I could rub some onto them for you. It might ease the pain a little.”
Heyes looked uncertain. Each time the doctor had dressed them so far, it had been agonisingly painful, and he was reluctant to have her witness his distress at the task, but, on the other hand, getting them treated more regularly might help them heal faster, and so, he reluctantly agreed, directing her to a pot of salve on the table at the side of the bed.
Kate collected some fresh dressings and the pot of salve. Returning to Heyes, she carefully removed the dressings from his burns, grimacing at the red and blistered flesh. She placed the dressings on the floor and then, taking the salve, she scooped some onto her hand and then, resting her injured hand on the back of the chair, to steady herself, she very gently began to smooth it onto the burns.
Heyes gritted his teeth, in anticipation, and gasped as she touched him. Kate paused, momentarily, but then resumed the task, applying as little pressure as possible as she gently smoothed the salve onto his back, and, gradually, she felt him begin to relax. Whether it was because it was a woman’s touch, or, if, maybe, the burns were starting to heal a little, Heyes wasn’t sure, but it was definitely less painful than it had been, her touch almost soothing in fact.
Just then the doctor entered the room.
“Oh, I’m sorry.” said Kate, interpreting the doctor’s surprised look as anger for her treating his patient without his permission.
“No, no.” said the doctor, “That’s the first time I’ve not seen Joshua wincing in pain. You must have a gentle touch.” said the doctor, smiling.
“I don’t know what it is, all I know is that she doesn’t hurt as much as you do, Doc.” said Heyes, “Kate, I could use you coming over here every day to do this.”
“Well, Joshua, if the sheriff, and your friend, Thaddeus, don’t mind, when you go to his place, I could come over to help take care of you. That’s if you don’t mind of course.” Kate enquired, “It’s the least I could do, and I’d feel like I was doing something to pay you back for rescuing me on that dreadful night.”
“I’m sure that’ll be fine with everyone.” said the doctor, answering for Heyes, “You just take care with your wrist, it’s still healing you know.”
“I will.” promised Kate. Finishing applying the salve, she wiped her hands on a towel and moved round in front of Heyes. “Well, I must be going now, and you need to rest, Joshua. Take care and I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Bye,” said Heyes, surprised to find he was disappointed to see her leavin, “and thanks again.” he added.
After Kate had left, the doctor applied fresh dressings to Heyes’ burns and then placed a pillow behind one side of his back, so that he could lean back in the chair, without putting any pressure on them, and get some much needed rest.
Comfortable, for the first time in days, Heyes soon fell into a deep sleep, not waking until the Kid returned, later in the afternoon, with the news that he’d been offered work helping out at the local livery stable starting in three days time.
“That’s great, Kid.” said Heyes, “At least, then, we can give Lom something for his trouble.” He explained about Kate’s visit, and her offer to come out to Lom’s and help with nursing him, “It’ll take the pressure off you two a little bit.” he told him.
* * *
Over the next few of days Heyes slowly continued to recover. By Sunday, a week after the fire, the doctor agreed that Heyes was well enough to move to Lom’s cabin, since he was coughing a lot less now, and the effects of the concussion had subsided, although he was still in a lot of pain from his other injuries and still couldn’t walk on his ankle which was swollen and stiff.
On the day of the move, Lom brought a horse and carriage round, to transport him to his cabin, since Heyes was not fit enough to sit a horse.
They found Heyes sitting on the bed, waiting for them. He had his pants on, and socks, but no boots, since he couldn’t get one over his swollen ankle. Nor was he wearing a shirt, since the burns on his back, while healing well, were still too sensitised to bear the pressure of clothes.
“Ready?” asked Lom.
Heyes nodded.
The Kid put his arm around Heyes’ waist and pulled Heyes’ left arm over his shoulder while Lom went around and supported him from the other side as best he could. With Lom and the Kid taking most of his weight Heyes managed to hobble and limp to the waiting carriage.
They managed to manoeuvre Heyes into the carriage and the Kid propped some pillows behind him to keep his burns out of contact with the back of the seat while the doctor watched the proceedings, happy that they appeared to know what they were doing.
“Well, Joshua, you take care now. I’ll come by tomorrow, just to make sure that you are coping alright.” the doctor told him. He then handed the Kid a small bag containing clean dressings and salve for Heyes’ burns.
“Thanks, Doc.” said Heyes, giving the doctor a grin, even though the effort of getting out to the carriage had left him breathless and in pain, “I appreciate everything you’ve done for me and, no offence, but I hope I won’t be needing your services again for a while.”
At that, the Kid climbed into the carriage and sat next to Heyes, to offer him some support for the journey, while Lom climbed up on to the front to drive them out to his cabin.
Heyes appeared to cope with the journey reasonably well, given his injuries, but he looked drained, when they arrived, which was to be expected after several days of immobility. With great difficulty they manoeuvred him out of the carriage and physically carried him inside the cabin, easing him down to sit on the bed Lom had made up for him in one of the two bedrooms.
Heyes sighed, grateful the journey was over. The Kid promptly swung into action, copying everything he had seen the doctor doing at the surgery. He helped Heyes out of his pants and then helped him lie down, on his stomach, placing a towel over the pillow since Heyes was still coughing up some phlegm, albeit not as frequently now. He then placed another pillow under his injured arm and gently covered him with a sheet.
“Are you O.K?” he asked, his casual tone belying the look of concern in his eyes.
“I’m O.K. Just a bit tired.” replied Heyes wearily. In truth, he felt exhausted, and was in considerable pain, after being shaken around on the bumpy journey from town, and was surprised by how much the relatively short journey had taken out of him.
Just then Lom poked his head around the door.
“Kid, there’s some stew cooking on the stove, I’m just going back to town to return the horse and carriage I borrowed. Keep an eye on it, will you? I won’t be long”
“Sure, no problem, Lom, see you in a while.” replied the Kid.
With that Lom left and, a few moments later, Heyes and the Kid heard the carriage pulling away.
“Do you need anything?” the Kid enquired.
“No thanks. I’ll just sleep for a while.” replied Heyes.
“OK, partner. If there’s anything you need, just holler. I’m not far away. O.K?” said the Kid.
Heyes gave a vague nod his eyes already closed, and was asleep even before the Kid reached the bedroom door, and he realised, suddenly, just how much further Heyes still had to go before he was fully recovered.
The Kid tended to the stew and then made up a cot, which Lom had left out for him, so that he had somewhere to sleep while they stayed there.
It wasn’t too long before Kid heard the sound of horse’s hooves and went outside to meet Lom.
Lom tended to his horse and then caught up with him on the porch.
“How’s Heyes?” he enquired.
“Exhausted.” replied the Kid, “I didn’t realise, until just now, how sick he is still. I kind of thought, because the Doc was letting him leave his surgery, that he was as good as recovered, but now I realise he ain’t.”
“Give him time.” said Lom, “It’s only been a week. He’ll be back to his old self soon. Now, how’s that stew doing?”
“Its fine.” smiled the Kid, "You ready to eat?
“Sure am.” replied Lom.
They entered the cabin and helped themselves to some stew. After they’d eaten they pulled a couple of chairs up around the fire and Lom poured them a glass of whisky each. The Kid got up a couple of times to check on Heyes, but he seemed fine, sleeping peacefully.
It was late when they finally decided to turn in. The Kid checked on Heyes one more time and found him still sound asleep, the journey obviously haven taken more out of him than anyone had realised. Heyes hadn’t eaten anything all day but the Kid thought it best to let him sleep. He could make up for the lack of food tomorrow. With that thought he settled himself down on the cot and, in seconds, was fast asleep himself.
* * *
The next morning dawned bright and sunny. Lom and the Kid were up early, Lom to get ready to go to work, and the Kid ready to tend to Heyes before he left to begin work at the livery stable. Lom started to cook breakfast while the Kid went to go and check on Heyes. He poked his head around the door of Heyes’ room, pleased to see that he was awake.
“Hi. How’re you feeling?” asked the Kid.
“Stiff.” replied Heyes, “How long did I sleep?”
“More’n eighteen hours.” the Kid told him.
Heyes’ eyes widened in shocked surprise.
“You’re kidding? I didn’t, did I?”
“You sure did.” replied Kid, “How about I help you to get up, and get dressed, so that you can have some breakfast?”
“I’m not really hungry.” said Heyes
The Kid raised his eyes to the ceiling. Heyes never ate much when he was well and it was almost impossible to get him to eat when he was feeling ill.
“Well, I’m starting work at the livery this morning, and I’m not leaving until you’ve had something to eat, so, unless you want me to lose my job before I’ve even started it, you’d better change your mind.” said the Kid, stubbornly, folding his arms across his chest.
Heyes recognised that stubborn look and, realising he was beaten, reluctantly agreed. The Kid helped him to sit up and get into his pants and then helped him hobble and hop to the chair that Lom had set up, next to the window, for him to sit in, before going to the kitchen and returning with two plates of bacon and eggs for himself and Heyes, since Lom had already eaten his and was ready to leave for work. The Kid handed a plate to Heyes, and then sat on Heyes’ bed, keeping a close eye on him, as they ate, to be sure he finished every mouthful. Since Heyes could only eat one handed, with his left hand, it took quite a time before he cleared the plate to the Kid’s satisfaction. Once they’d finished, Kid cleared the plates away and then returned to the bedroom.
“OK. I’ve got to get going now, is there anything you need before I go?” asked Kid
“I could do with a wash and shave.” replied Heyes
“Well, I don’t have time to help you with that right now, but I’ll help you tonight, when I get back. O.K?”
“Thanks.”
“Kate should be here in a couple of hours. Will you be OK until then?” asked the Kid
“Yeah, I’ll be fine.” said Heyes.
The Kid left then, and Heyes sat, gazing out of the window, cursing his misfortune. He didn’t want to blame Kid for getting hurt, but, deep down, he knew that if the Kid hadn’t been so pigheaded about riding on to Cheyenne, the day they’d arrived in Porterville, it wouldn’t have happened. But, he knew how bad the Kid would be feeling about it and didn’t want to compound that feeling.
Bored, alone, it wasn’t long before he dozed off in the chair, only to be awakened by the sound of a horse approaching. He looked out of the window to see Kate riding up to the cabin, controlling her horse with the reins in her uninjured hand. She looked very much at home in the saddle, and Heyes smiled to himself, thinking that there was more to this young girl than first appeared.
Kate stepped onto the porch and tentatively knocked on the door.
“Come in.” called Heyes.
Kate opened the door and entered the cabin looking around for him.
“Hello.” shouted Heyes, “I’m in here.”
Kate followed the sound of his voice, finding him sitting in a chair in the bedroom.
“Hello.” she said shyly, “How are you feeling today?”
“A little better, thanks.” said Heyes, part of him wishing that everyone would stop keeping on asking him how he was feeling.
“Would you like a drink, or anything, before I tend to your burns?”
“A coffee wouldn’t go amiss.” replied Heyes with a smile.
Kate left the room, returning a short time later with two cups of coffee. She handed one to Heyes and then sat down on his bed while she drank hers.
“How’s your arm?” asked Heyes, “I saw you riding in one handed. That’s pretty impressive, especially for a girl.”
“It’s feeling a lot better, thanks, and I’m more than capable of handling a horse one handed, thank you.” she replied sharply.
Heyes raised a surprised eyebrow, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to sound patronising, I was genuinely impressed.”
“Well, I haven’t been a saloon girl all my life, you know!” replied Kate, “Sometimes circumstances are such that you have to take a path you wouldn’t necessarily have chosen.”
“Oh, I know that only too well,” said Heyes, “trust me.”
Oddly enough, Kate felt as though she could trust him and suddenly found herself wanting to explain to this man, whom she hardly knew, why she was a saloon girl, because she didn’t want him to think badly of her. Why, she didn’t know, but it suddenly seemed important.
“Can I tell you while I tend to your burns?” asked Kate
“Of course you can.” said Heyes.
Kate gathered the salve and clean dressings together before moving behind him ready to treat him. As she did so, she began to explain.
“I grew up on a farm; not a huge farm but one big enough to keep me and my Ma and Pa comfortably. My Pa always wanted a boy, you know, to help him out on the farm, but after I came along it seemed that God didn’t grant my Ma anymore children, so I was taught how to ride hard, fix fences, tend crops and drive cattle. It was a tough life but I loved it.” she paused, briefly, remembering.
“As I grew up,” she continued, “I met, and fell in love with, a young boy who was passing through our town looking for work. My Pa took him on, at our farm, and, eventually we married.” she smiled to herself.
“We built a little cabin, near Ma and Pa’s farm, knowing that, one day, it would all be ours. I don’t think I’ve ever been happier. Life was hard, but good! One day, my Pa and my husband, John, were branding some cattle. We had driven them into a small corral, near the house, and I rode out, gathering strays to bring them back. I must have been out riding for nearly three hours when I started to head home with about twenty strays.” She broke off, her expression clouding.
“As I approached, I saw smoke billowing from the direction of our home. At first I thought it was from the branding, but then I realised there was way too much smoke for that. I forgot about the strays I’d rounded up and rode hard to the farm…” she shook her head, “What I saw was just terrible.”
Heyes said nothing, waiting for her to continue.
“The house was practically razed to the ground.” she said presently, “I couldn’t see anyone around and I cried out for anyone to hear me, but was greeted with silence… Then I heard a small groan and searched around, to find John, lying on the ground. I almost didn’t recognise him, he was burnt so badly. I knelt down and held him in my arms… I knew it was too late for me to do anything for him… He managed to explain that he and my Pa had hardly started the branding when they heard my Ma screaming. My Pa ran into the house immediately but didn’t return, so John ran into the house to find the kitchen in flames. My Ma was on fire, and my Pa had tried to put the flames out but had caught fire himself. John had grabbed a bedspread and thrown it over the both of them but it was too late for them. He was so taken with grief, that by the time he had composed himself and turned to leave it was too late and part of the ceiling came crashing in on top of him. He managed to crawl outside, which is where I found him. I knew there was nothing I could do, so I just cradled him in my arms until he stopped breathing…”
She fell silent, lost in the memories. Heyes looked round to see tears sliding silently down her face. Although it caused him some considerable pain, he reached round and took hold of her arm. She dropped to her knees before him, quietly sobbing. Heyes leaned forward tipping her face upwards to his.
“Hey, ssh, now.” he soothed, “It’s alright.”
Looking up into his deep brown eyes that seemed to show such understanding and compassion, Kate tearfully, continued her tale.
“After I had buried John, and my parents... I found out that my Pa didn’t have any insurance, so I was left completely destitute.” she continued,“I didn’t know what to do. I had no money, no job, nowhere to live.” She drew in a shuddering breath, “The saloon owner agreed to let me stay there, as long as I worked as one of the saloon girls.” She shook her head, “I didn’t want to, but I had no choice. That was six years ago.”
Heyes was shocked by Kate’s story. He looked on, compassionately, as Kate’s body shook with silent sobs.
“I understand, probably more than you realise, that sometimes life can take such a dreadful turn you end up doing something that you don’t want to do.” he told her.
Just then they heard the door to the cabin open and Kid’s voice shouted.
“Hey, Joshua, it’s only me!”
Kate quickly stood up, drying her face on her skirts and trying to put on a smile.
The Kid’s head popped round the bedroom door.
“I just came back to make sure everything’s OK.” he said with a grin, “I wanted to make sure Kate had got here alright.” He walked over to Heyes and gently put his hand on his shoulder,
“How’re you doing, Joshua?” he enquired.
“I’m doing OK, thanks to my excellent nurse here.” said Heyes, nodding his head towards Kate.
“Would either of you like a cup of coffee?” asked Kate.
“That’d be great.” said the Kid
“Please.” smiled Heyes
Kate left the room to make a fresh pot of coffee and the Kid turned to Heyes.
“I wanted to make sure Kate turned up. I mean, we hardly know her and although you and I enjoy the company of saloon girls, we both know they’re not the most reliable of folk,” he said with a grin, “and I didn’t want you to be stranded here all day on your own.”
“There’s more to that girl than first meets the eye.” Heyes told him.
The Kid picked up a wooden chair from the side of the dresser and set it down at right angles to Heyes’ chair, noting, as he sat down, that Heyes had more colour in his face now than at any time since the fire.
Kate was just about to enter the room when she heard the two men talking.
“I’m glad to see you feeling better. You sure had me worried these past few days. I thought I was gonna lose you.”
“Hey, Thaddeus, I aint ready to go just yet.” quipped Heyes.
“I’m glad about that, ‘cos, there wouldn’t be any reason for me to go on, on my own.” the Kid told him, giving him a knowing look.
“I know. I wouldn’t want to go on, either, if it was the other way around.” said Heyes, looking slightly embarrassed at responding so honestly. It was usually the Kid that came out with all the sentimental stuff. Heyes usually kept his feelings carefully hidden away. Whether it was listening to Kate’s story, which had triggered memories of their own losses in life, that had prompted him to speak so openly, he couldn’t say, but, even though he meant the words, as soon as he said them he cursed himself for being so loose tongued.
The Kid, also looking surprised by Heyes’ candid reply, leaned across and threw an arm around his shoulders, being careful not to touch his burns.
“So, just think twice, next time, before you decide to be a hero, OK?” he chastised him, “I know you think you’re indestructible, but you’re not. That’s what I’m here for, to watch out for you.”
Touched by the obvious affection between the two, Kate felt reluctant to interrupt their conversation. She coughed, politely, as she entered the room carrying a small tray, in her uninjured hand, containing the two cups of coffee. The Kid hastily stood up, looking a little embarrassed.
Kate smiled at them both, realising that these two men shared a close bond, and had probably been through some tough times together. She put the tray of coffee down on the table and then left the room, to dispose of the soiled dressings and to tidy the kitchen a little, in order to give them some privacy to talk. A short time later, the Kid appeared in the kitchen.
“Well, I’ll be heading back to town. Thanks, Kate for your help. If it wasn’t for you, Joshua would still be stuck in the doctor’s surgery.”
“It’s not just me, it’s down to you and Sheriff Trevors too.” Kate replied.
“Well, I know Joshua is grateful, and so am I.” said the Kid. With that, he put on his hat, tipping it at Kate as he left the cabin. Kate finished tidying up and then returned to Heyes.
“It was good of your friend to come all this way, from town, just to see if you’re OK” said Kate.
“Thaddeus is just a natural worrier.” smirked Heyes
“You’re obviously good friends.”
Heyes nodded, “We go back a long way. I’ve know him all my life, it seems. We lived on neighbouring farms, when we were kids, and have been together pretty much ever since. We make a good team. We almost know what each other is thinking at times.” he said with a smile.
“It must be good to have a friend like that. Someone to worry about you, and watch out for you.” Kate said, wistfully.
“Yeah, I don’t know what I’d do without him.” replied Heyes.
“Well, I must be going.” said Kate, “I’ll come back tomorrow, if that’s alright with you?”
“That would be great. It takes some of the pressure off Lom, and Thaddeus, and makes me feel less of a burden to them.” said Heyes
Kate smiled at him and left the room and, a few moments later, Heyes saw her riding her horse back in the direction of the town, realising, with surprise, that he was looking forward to her coming back, tomorrow, a little more than perhaps he should.
He wasn’t aware of falling asleep until Lom’s voice called out, “Hey, Joshua, are you OK?” as he arrived home from work.
“I’m O.K.” Heyes replied, as Lom strode into the room, accompanied by the doctor.
“Hi, Doc.” Heyes greeted him with a smile.
“Hello, Joshua. I just came by to see how you’re feeling after the trip out here yesterday?”
“I was pretty tired when we got here, I have to admit, Doc, but I feel a lot better after a good night’s sleep.” Heyes told him.
The doctor nodded, “Any problems?” he asked as he took out his stethoscope and listened to Heyes’ chest.
“No. Everyone’s looking after me real well.” said Heyes.
“That’s good.” said the doctor, removing his stethoscope and putting it back in his bag, “Well, you just be sure to take things easy. You’ve still got a lot of healing to do.”
“I will, Doc, and thanks again for your help.”
The doctor nodded again, “If you need anything, let me know.”
“We will, Doc.” Lom said now, “Would you like to join us for supper?” he enquired.
“Thank you, but no. My wife will have it prepared when I get home.” He picked up his bag, “I’ll be back to see you again in a few days, to see how your other injuries are healing.” he told Heyes.
“Thanks, Doc.” smiled Heyes.
Lom and the doctor left the room and a few moments later Heyes heard the doctor leave.
“It sure is a nice evening. Would you like to sit on the porch for a while?” Lom asked, as he came back into the bedroom.
“Yeah, that’d be great, Lom. I think I can probably manage it, if you can take my weight.”
Lom moved to Heyes’ side and helped him stand up. Then, pulling his arm around his shoulder, he supported his weight as Heyes hopped and limped out to the porch, helping to lower him into an old rocking chair he kept out there, before fetching a pillow which he placed behind Heyes’ back so he could sit, comfortably, without putting any pressure on his burns. His sharp eyes noticed the sheen of perspiration on Heyes’ forehead, from the pain his exertions had caused him, but he made no comment. Going back inside, he fetched two glasses of whisky and handed one to Heyes before sitting down in the other chair he kept on the porch.
“Are you warm enough?” he enquired, since Heyes was still unable to bear fabric on his back and, while it was August, and hot during the day, the sun was beginning to dip behind the trees and a light breeze beginning to pick up.
“Yeah, I’m fine.” Heyes acknowledged.
They’d been sitting outside for almost an hour when the Kid’s horse came into view.
“Hey, look at you two!” grinned the Kid, pleased to see Heyes out on the porch, “Sure hope a working man’s dinner is ready.”
“Sure is, Kid. As soon as you’ve bedded your horse down and helped me get Heyes into the kitchen we can eat.” replied Lom with a smile, knowing that, with the Kid’s insatiable appetite, it would be the fastest bedding down of a horse in history.
The Kid tended to his horse in short order, and then helped Lom get Heyes into the kitchen. They sat around the table eating a supper of steak and beans, after which Heyes reminded the Kid of his promise that morning, to help him wash and shave. The doctor had given him a couple of bed baths while he’d been at the surgery, but, with having slept all day and night the previous day, and the Kid and Lom being out all day, he hadn’t been able to get a wash or shave since arriving at Lom’s since he wasn’t able to do it himself in his current condition.
“Sure, Heyes.” The Kid set about heating some water, and, when it was hot enough, the Kid filled a large bowl and set it down by the side of Heyes’ chair, which they’d moved around in front of the hearth. Then, taking a sponge, he carefully sponged his arms and torso, being careful not to touch the dressings on his burns. Heyes sucked in his breath, several times, when the Kid touched his painful ribs and collar bone, but gritted his teeth and said nothing. The Kid took a towel and carefully patted him dry before fetching his razor and giving him a shave.
“Thanks, Kid.” said Heyes, as the Kid threw away the water, “I feel better for being clean.”
“Here.” Lom handed him a glass of scotch, thinking that he looked in need of a stiff drink.
“Thanks, Lom.” Heyes took the glass with a smile that was noticeably forced, while Lom poured another glass and handed it to the Kid before they both sat down in front of the fire, alongside Heyes, where, before long, they were deep in reminiscences of old times, when they’d all ridden as outlaws together.
At nine o’clock Heyes said, “Well, guys, I think I’m gonna call it a night, I don’t think my eyes will stay open any longer.”
“Sure thing, Heyes.” said Lom, feeling bad for rambling on and keeping Heyes from his rest.
Lom and the Kid helped Heyes up and into the bedroom, and then to manoeuvre himself into a comfortable position in bed. The Kid placed a clean towel over the pillow, under Heyes’ head, just in case, but he hadn’t woken in the night for a couple of days now, and was coughing less each day, and the Kid was hopeful that that the worst over, and that most of the smoke had been expelled from his lungs.
Although Heyes had felt exhausted in the kitchen, his mind now started running through the day’s events, and all the things that Kate had told him. Hers was a story as tragic as their own, but, being a woman, and on her own, she was even worse off than them. Without money, or a husband, her choices were limited. At least they had each other to rely on, and, being men, had more opportunities open to them. Heyes liked Kate a lot, and wished there was something he could do to help her. As he lay there, chewing it over in his head, he heard the Kid and Lom retire to the porch, where they started talking, quietly, although Heyes could hear what they were saying from where they were sitting, only a few yards from the window of his room, sharing a couple of glasses of whisky.
“How did it go at the livery today, Kid?” enquired Lom
“OK.” said Kid with a slight shrug of his shoulders, “Its not the most inspiring of jobs, but it’ll do until Heyes is fit to travel. I came back at lunch time, to check that Kate had turned up. I was worried she might not, and I didn’t like the idea of Heyes being here alone all day.”
Lom nodded, thoughtfully, swirling his whisky around in the glass.
“I’m guessing you haven’t told Heyes, yet, about missing out on the chance of the amnesty?” he said presently.
The Kid gave a deep sigh, “No, Lom, I haven’t. I just can’t bring myself to tell him. I just don’t know how he’s going to react.”
“Kid, you’re gonna have to tell him that the governor was plannin’ to grant you the amnesty until you didn’t turn up for that meeting. He was mad as hell at you wasting his time after he made a detour specially to meet with you.” said Lom, “He told me to forget the whole thing. Said you two couldn’t be trusted.”
Heyes didn’t hear any more of the conversation after that, as he lay there, in bed, so angry he could almost hear his blood boiling inside him. Surely this couldn’t be true, that they’d lost their chance at getting their amnesty because the Kid had been too pigheaded to travel to Cheyenne that day, causing them to get caught up in the fire, and now, he hadn’t even got the guts to confess it to him? He lay in bed, letting his anger engulf him before finally falling into a restless sleep.
​
* * *
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